Roger Clemens’ lawyers seek dismissal of doping scandal defamation suit in NY court

Clemens’ lawyers ask NY judge to toss suit

NEW YORK — Lawyers for Roger Clemens are trying to persuade a judge to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed against the seven-time Cy Young Award winner.

Clemens’ legal team appeared Wednesday in federal court in Brooklyn. They argued that he had a right to publicly defend himself against doping allegations by his former personal trainer, Brian McNamee, without being sued.

McNamee’s lawyer told U.S. District Judge Sterling Johnson Jr. that his client was the victim of a calculated campaign to destroy his reputation. They say Clemens was retaliating against McNamee for alleging he injected the pitcher with steroids and human growth hormone.

The judge reserved decision.

Last month, Clemens was indicted for lying to Congress. He has a trial scheduled for April.